Traveling to China...Before the Olympics

Visited Guangzhou and Hongkong last week. With Beijing Olympics opening in 40 days, the security obviously has been tightened at the borders.

At Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport, Chinese custom in the past only conducted random checks on passagers. Majority of the passengers can just walked past without any hassle. This time round, all luggage must go through the X-ray machine, including hand-carry luggage.

At Guangzhou's East Rail Station, Chinese custom officers conduct more frequent random checks on passengers boarding the direct train to Hongkong.

At Hongkong side, the security has obviously been tightened too. The custom officers didn't check on passengers' luggage in the past, but now, every luggage must go through the X-ray machine.

You can feel the higher level of security checks, but so far everything has been smooth. Nothing major incidence for me, yet.

Singaporeans, from 1 July 2008, must obtain a valid entry visa to enter China. Previously, Singaporeans did not need a visa if the duration of stay is within 14 days.